U.S. Coast Guard in Astoria takes Maltese freighter captain into custody after he failed breathalyzer tests

The U.S. Coast Guard took a Maltese freighter captain into custody today in Astoria after officials determined his blood-alcohol level was beyond the legal limit and found open containers of alcohol in his stateroom.

Customs agents were already inspecting the 738-foot Laconia, which was preparing to travel up the Columbia River, when Coast Guard officials arrived, said Petty Officer Shawn Eggert of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Customs agents told the Coast Guard team they suspected the unidentified captain was intoxicated "based on their observations while on board."

"The information gathered and shared during both agencies' boardings today was critical in detaining this foreign vessel's master before it proceeded further up the Columbia River," he said in a statement.